Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce Coalition Background

The Chamber of Commerce Coalition is an expansion of a lobbying partnership that began in 1996. At that time, the Northern Rhode Island and Central Rhode Island chambers formed a partnership that provided the opportunity to combine the member voices of both chambers in a lobbying effort. 

The Coalition was formed as the chambers recognized that Rhode Island needed an advocate at the State House to speak for the interests of business. While laws impact both large and small companies, most business owners and managers don’t have time to attend committee hearings and offer testimony on proposed legislation. By having their chambers of commerce act as their voice, company officials can easily have a say in the business of government. By unifying chambers throughout the state, the voice of business becomes louder and stronger.

The Coalition has grown in strength and numbers over the past eight years, expanding to represent thirteen chambers in Rhode Island and more than 12,500 businesses.

Structure

A Government Affairs Committee, made up of representatives from each of the nine chambers, governs the Chamber of Commerce Coalition. Each chamber ahs three voting position on the Government Affairs Committee, plus the Chief Executive from each Chamber. The chair of the committee is Thomas Madden, Esq., Principal, The Madden Law Firm.

The Government Affairs Committee establishes the Legislative Agenda one month prior to the start of the new legislative session, for ratification by the respective Chambers of Commerce. The Government Affairs Committee also makes policy recommendations on issues that are forwarded to the various Chambers for their review.  In order to respond quickly to issues, the Government Affairs Committee is fully empowered by the respective Chambers to determine Chamber positions on issues and take action on them.

In the event the Chamber of Commerce Coalition adopts a legislative position that is in conflict with any partner Chamber(s), the Chamber of Commerce Coalition will not testify on behalf of said partner Chamber(s) and will note the difference of opinion for the record.

The Chamber Coalition works because of the respect that the participating Chambers have for each other, and their needed autonomy. The three lobbyists for the Chamber Coalition are:  John C. Gregory, President/CEO of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, David R. Carlin, III, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce; and Thomas Madden, Esq.

Past Successes and Future Plans

The Chamber of Commerce Coalition has been a forceful presence before the Rhode Island General Assembly, but may be called one of the State’s “best kept secrets” from the public at large.

Among lobbying successes in the past several years, the Coalition was active in supporting:

• A four-year effort resulting in historic changes to the State Retirement laws, resulting in millions of dollars in savings to the state and municipalities.
• House legislation requiring cities and towns to use the IRS Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) schedule when assigning a depreciation schedule for assessment of tangible property tax.
• Legislation permitting Health Savings Accounts in Rhode Island.
• The November 2004 voter approved Rhode Island State Constitutional Amendment on Separation of Powers in state government.
• The restoration of workforce development dollars to January 2004 status.

The Coalition also was active in helping to prevent:

The repeal of Historic Preservation Tax Credits legislation

• Legislation adding a 7 percent sales tax to the sale of newspapers and newspaper advertisements.
• An additional 1 percent or 2 percent state income tax on certain state earned income.
• Legislation amending the antitrust rules and permitting independent contractor childcare providers to form a union and negotiate collectively with the state.
• Legislation subjecting regulated industries to class action suits.

Now, as the Coalition grows in strength and number to become the largest lobbying voice for business in Rhode Island, Coalition members invite companies throughout the state to join their local Coalition member and become part of this group that is working to make Rhode Island a better state in which to do business.

Phone: 401-438-1212      Fax: 401-435-4581
For more information, please contact the

East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce.
office@eastprovchamber.com

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